Sheffield Live! 93.2 FM, the local community radio, is to launch its first “radiothon”, a week long fundraising campaign on-the-air and in venues across Sheffield, starting Monday 27 April 2009.

The Sheffield Live! Spring Appeal 2009 marks 18 months on-air as a full-time community radio service for Sheffield Live! 93.2 FM and celebrates World Press Freedom Day 2009 on 3 May.

Sheffield Live! volunteer programme makers and presenters will drop their usual schedule to broadcast a round-the-clock campaign for listener donations and support. The Sheffield Live! Spring 2009 Appeal is supported by local musicians and artists who will be performing at venues around Sheffield as well as donating music tracks to a Sheffield Live! digital compilation.

Sangita Basudev, Chief Executive of Sheffield Live! said: “This is the first time that Sheffield Live! has organised an on-air fundraising appeal of this kind. We have been delighted by the number of offers of help and assistance that have already come forward. We are just hoping the enormous goodwill there is towards our work will be translated into real contributions and support.”

Local musicians backing the appeal include Toddler T, Mark Stoney and Mim Suleiman. The Harley will host a Sheffield Live! Showcase of local bands on Wednesday 29 April while other activities include a Jazz night at the Riverside on Monday, a latin music night at Cubana on Tuesday and a bhangra music night at DQ on Thursday. On Saturday, 2 May, Sticky music collective will join forces with Sheffield Live!for a day long local music event at the Stockroom.

Sheffield Live! is a not-for-profit community organisation that provides media facilities, training and broadcast services in support of community voices and cultural diversity. The Sheffield Live! Spring 2009 Appeal aims to raise funds to support programme making of community benefit, media training for disadvantaged groups and the provision of public access media facilities.

Throughout the week, the Communities Live! team at Sheffield Live! will be broadcasting from the Winter Gardens, where members of the public can drop by and find out how to get involved.

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